Mangiabevi Urban Italian — Restaurant in Sterling Heights

Visited recently for the first time. After waiting a solid 15 minutes or so for our table, despite having a reservation, we were finally seated and then it took another five minutes or so before we were approached by our waiter. We shook off the slow start because we were excited to try this restaurant and excited for a great Italian meal. We took our waiter's recommendation and ordered one of the nightly specials; stuffed pork tenderloin w polenta. We also ordered the pasta with rosemary and white wine sauce. We started with the Italian sausage and blistered shishito peppers appetizer. It tasted fine but it was quite underwhelming. It was simply sliced Italian sausage and the peppers in some olive oil and nothing else. It lacked seasoning, and a sauce of some sort drizzled over the peppers would have elevated it to something more like what you would expect in this kind of restaurant. Next we shared the arugula and shaved fennel salad. It was delicious. We shared both of the entrees and both were disappointing in their own ways. The stuffed pork tenderloin was extremely dry and we had to request additional sauce just to be able to remotely enjoy it. We regretted ordering it and wished we had ordered the stuffed pork chop instead. The sauce on the pasta was extremely delicious, very rosemary forward as is to be expected with rosemary being in the name of the dish. The problem with the dish was the texture of the pasta. It was "gluey". Knowing this restaurant is affiliated with Ventimiglia's Italian Market, our hopes were very high for an authentic pasta experience. We spend a lot of time in Italy and know what properly cooked pasta is. Most restaurants in our country overcook the pasta and you don't get that al dente "chew" in the center of the pasta. Not only did this pasta not have the al dente chew but it had a very gluey texture which comes from either not cooking the pasta in boiling water but rather simmering water, or it can happen when pasta is partially precooked and then finished cooking later. Either way, it was disappointing to have that delicious sauce diminished by improperly cooked pasta. Given the other reviews, we think we will give this restaurant another try, hoping that it was just...

I would like to start off by saying this place is not your run of the mill Italian Place and if that's what you expect than think twice before coming or at least preview the menu especially if you like to judge and leave bad reviews for that very reason. The key to this dainty place is the "Urban Italian". We sat at the bar as we had unexpectedly tried this place on a whim. Very welcomed by the bartender and staff. I personally have worked in New Jersey at a fine dining Italian/Seafood restaurant in the past so for me it has been hard to find Italian places comparable to that especially when it comes to sauces. My fiancé had a delicious martini I personally had a Moscow Mule also delicious. Both being fans/connoisseurs of calamari we had to try Calamari In Piastra appetizer. Loving the fact that it wasn't fried was even better. It came out perfect, not over or under sauced, not chewy or fishy and it was rings and tentacles and not the steaks. My fiancé ordered the Braised Short Rib that was prepared the same as the Osso Bucco on the special menu. I had the Quail on the special menu. Both came over risotto. The Short Rib was amazing, perfectly cooked, tender and moist. Sauced perfectly and risotto spot on. My Quail was out of this world!!!! Again, moist and tender, the seasoning was amazing and risotto spot on. The red demi-glaze was unbelievable, put it this way it was sooooo delicious we had to order a second round of Quail as it was that damn good!! Round 2 just as good as Round 1. We took Tiramisu home for desert and we weren't disappointed. Overall, we were highly satisfied with everything. Love the fact it was human sized portions and pricing was very reasonable as the quality, love and preparation put into their dishes definitely showed. We will be back as there are many other things to try and staff and atmosphere was very pleasing. We would highly recommend to any...

It was my husband's and I first time having dinner here. My husband was craving Italian and it was super close to home. The hostess was nice and seated us immediately with no reservations, which was great. I love the energy and ambiance of the place. The food was fantastic! We had the Calamari in Piastra for appetizer. It's ok for me, but my husband like it. I ordered the Costolette D'Angelo (threepistachio-crusted lamb chops) which I definitely recommend. It was cooked perfectly (medium) and the seasoning was on point. The dish came with the fig jam which was super yummy, mini potatoes(plain), haricots verts (French green beans which I prefer over regular green beans) and asparagus. My husband ordered the Spaghetti allo Zafferano. Definitely ordering it again. The sauce was a perfect blend of light, savory, and super flavorful. For dessert we ordered the Gelato. OMG! We loved it! Although the food was fantastic, the customer service was lacking. It seemed like our waiter did not want to wait on us. When we asked for recommendations he was not very enthusiastic about sharing. Like he was annoyed or bothered tapping his feet for us to hurry up and make a decision. When the bread finally came I had asked for butter, the waiter said (they don't have any), it only comes with olive oil. He looked annoyed. Usually, I don't have to ask for these... it's just provided. I mean other tables were provided without asking and yes I was observing. The attitude continues towards the end of the night, but we over looked it because the food was just so fantastic. Maybe it just wasn't his night. I am a great tipper! And honestly if his attitude was just a bit more inviting or refreshing he would have received more then what was given, which was still pretty good. We definitely will go back and try other dishes. Hopefully we receive better service...